An Overview of Mental Health in Lakewood, Colorado
Nestled in the foothills of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains just southwest of downtown Denver is Lakewood, Colorado. Sitting at more than a mile above sea level at 5,518 feet, this suburb of Denver is home to approximately 150,000 people and covers 44 square miles with a population density of 3,500 people per square mile.
There are no shortage of things to do in Lakewood, especially if you take into account the surrounding communities and of course, the popular outdoor activities that Colorado is known for. Just minutes west is the famed Red Rock Amphitheater, Bear Creek Lake Park and head the other way to check out a variety of museums, Denver Center for the Arts, Coors Field and Mile High Stadium.
Mental Health Statistics for Lakewood
Maintaining and supporting behavioral or mental health is a vital component of overall health. In Lakewood, more than 30 percent of community members cited that they had felt more than one day of poor mental health in the previous month. Finances may play a role in how that number is collected as a majority of voluntary reporters earn less than $50,000 per year.
Each year in Colorado, more than 250,000 people need access to mental health resources but only one third actually gets it. Lakewood sees similar numbers in its community and breaks down what their numbers represent. Depression ranks number one among young adults and minors with anxiety following a close second. Sadly, substance abuse disorders continue to rise as well as those needing help aren’t getting it.
What Makes Lakewood Unique When it Comes to Mental Health?
Lakewood residents are susceptible to mental illness much like any other part of the country. Factors include the high cost of living stressors, and cold weather living in the winter time, when depression and anxiety skyrocket in the area.
- Residents of Lakewood earn a lower wage than average (for the area), and the cost of housing has become a concern since 2010. A direct link has been established between financial stress and depression/anxiety.
- Denver and the surrounding suburbs such as Lakewood are known for their high housing costs. The median home cost in Lakewood is $332,000.
- The median household income in Lakewood is $58,000.
- Less sunlight in the winter means less Vitamin D. A lack of that essential vitamin has been linked to depression.
Divorce Rate in Lakewood
Divorce in the Lakewood area is slightly higher than the national average at 15 percent, though this number is representative of the divorced residents, not the actual rate of divorce, which in Colorado is just above 4 percent. A slightly older than average population, 38 years old, might be one factor but also a rapid influx of married couples with college educations might be another.
Yet another factor may be the high number of marital and premarital counselors in Lakewood and the surrounding areas. Either way, Lakewood seems to be a good place to get married and stay married.
Mental Health Resources in Lakewood
Colorado, in general, spends nearly a billion dollars every year on providing mental health resources. Jefferson County where Lakewood is located spends millions of dollars each year promoting that people get outside more as physical activity has been proven to ease the symptoms of depression, anxiety and boost one’s overall feeling of wellness.
Beyond things people can do for themselves to find relief from mental illness, Lakewood is home to many mental health professionals. Jefferson County also has hundreds more therapists, counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists available to help those in need.
Challenges of Finding a Suitable Therapist in Lakewood
Living in any metropolitan suburb such as Lakewood comes with the challenge of choosing between hundreds, if not thousands of professionals willing to help. It becomes the buyer’s dilemma – with so many to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
The Internet, your primary care physician, insurance companies, local clinics, and non-profit organizations all offer referrals to therapists in your area. When searching on the Internet it can be even more frustrating to choose since nearly all counselors have an online presence that makes them seem like the solution.
We put together this directory to help you make an informed decision about who to choose to help you with your mental health issues. Learn more about each professional’s education, background, experience, modality and personality. The more you learn, the better decision you can make, hopefully leading you to meeting the one professional who’s a perfect match for your needs.
